GameStop Stops Pre-Orders of Pokémon TCG and Imposes Purchase Restraints

GameStop announced that it has stopped pre-orders of Pokémon TCG [Pokémon Trading Card Game] products, a policy designed to prevent the resale stockpiling of large shipments in anticipation of release. Additionally, the store will impose limits on purchases of specific Pokémon TCG products.

GameStop’s Forbidden Sale of Pokémon TCG

Pre-Orders have been utilized by Pokémon TCG enthusiasts and players for years to receive new cards on the day of release. But this strategy has also been utilized by bulk purchasers that inflate secondary market prices. GameStop is now acting to eliminate this behavior, so that more fans can buy new Pokémon TCG sets in-store instead of watch them go away into the hands of scalpers.

In response to a tweet by the official GameStop Twitter account, the move seeks to level the playing field while purchasing. To support Pokémon TCG collectors, GameStop will be providing complimentary PSA grading submissions on launch weekends during its “Rip and Submit” promotions with complimentary card savers and sleeves.

Pokémon Fans Respond to GameStop’s New Policy

Though GameStop is hoping that making new Pokémon Trade Card Game releases more accessible will get people through the door, the majority of fans are not pleased with the change. Pre-opens have been a convenient and hassle-free means of obtaining Pokémon cards without waiting in line or getting short-supplied. Now, gamers worry about spending hours in front of stores on the release date only to potentially end up short if demand for them outweighs supply.

Pre-order collectors who depended on them to acquire new cards without having to resort to in-store shopping have also been disappointed. With pre-orders removed from the equation, it might become harder for fans to keep up with new releases with high-demand sets selling out nearly instantly.

How This May Affect Future Pokémon TCG Launches

The next big Pokémon TCG set, Hot Wind Arena, comes out in Japan on March 14, containing over 60 cards, including fan favorites like Sinnoh Champion Cynthia. With no release date outside of Japan in sight, the lack of GameStop pre-orders could cause issues once the set is in North America.

GameStop’s move is a big change in the supply of Pokémon TCG items to the retail tier. Whether this shift will stem resellers or cause further frustrations for players is yet to be determined.